Walter Wanderley

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Walter Wanderley (12 May 1932 - 4 September 1986) was an organist and pianist, born in Recife, Brazil and best known for his lounge and bossa nova music.

Already famous in his native country by the late 1950's, he became an internationally renown star through his collaboration with the singer Astrud Gilberto and her husband, João Gilberto. During 1966-67, he recorded three notable albums on the Verve label with the Walter Wanderley Trio (consisting of Walter, Claudio Slon (drums) and Jose Marino (bass). These albums, "Rainforest", "Cheganca" (complete with gatefold sleeve) and Astrud Gilberto's "A Certain Smile, A Certain Sadness" were produced in the United States by Creed Taylor, who initially brought the Trio to the U.S. to record. Wanderley's U.S. recording of "Summer Samba" reached #26 on the Billboard charts in the summer of 1966.[1]

After the Trio disbanded (though they were briefly reunited in 1971 for "The Return of the Original" on Canyon Records)[2], Wanderley himself continued to record albums on Verve, A&M/CTi, and GNP Cresendo. During this time he also made numerous personal appearances, including a concert tour of Mexico.

Known for his smooth style and mastery of the Hammond B-3 organ, he died of cancer in 1986.